Why Fathers Matter In Pregnancy And Childbirth

It is commonly accepted that a mother plays a huge role in birthing a child because of the obvious reason of being the one to carry the pregnancy.

The impact of the presence of the father is often overlooked and very few studies have been conducted to measure it.

Critics observe that there are paternal factors that affect the pregnancy outcomes such as wanting or not wanting the baby, his behaviour during the pregnancy, and his relationships with the mother. These circumstances can either increase or reduce the pregnant mothers’ stress during their pregnancy, affect how they take care of themselves and the overall health of the foetus.

Pregnant women whose partners do not want the baby are less likely to get antenatal care. In addition, when a father lives an unhealthy lifestyle of smoking and drinking, it can affect the mother's decision about it which may increase the chance of having a baby with a low birth weight.

In a research conducted by the University of South Florida, researchers reveal that when the father is involved with their partners during pregnancy it reduces the risk that the baby would die in the first year of life.

Also, babies whose fathers had no stake in their pregnancy were more likely to be born with low birth weight and the rate of deaths was about four higher than infants who had fatherly involvement during their pregnancy. The absence of a father tends to induce other health complications in the mother, which could affect the infant such as anaemia and high blood pressure amongst others.

These result further emphasize the role of a father, husband in the life of his wife, partner, and children. So Papalettes, you are very important to the successful birth of your child. Don’t just stay on the sideline when it comes to caring for your partner or wife, get actively involved and you will see how beautiful the birthing outcome of your baby will be.